Jessica Homan

Jessica Homan

Jessica Homan, MSW, LISW received her BA in Sociology from Bowling Green State University and her MSW from The Ohio State University. Ms. Homan received her independent license, LISW, in August of 2015. She has served as an advocate for the LGBTQ community for several years and has been involved in volunteer opportunities locally. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She was published in their Health publication, as well as their Social and Economic Justice and Peace Publication with her article, “The Importance of Assessing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in a Health Care Setting: An emphasis on LGBTQ veterans.”

Ms. Homan saw a gap in care at the VA facility she works for and wrote a proposal for an LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator position several years ago. This was approved and she was hired in this position, one of the only paid positions in the VA health system that is dedicated to LGBTQ work. She has worked to create a cultural shift in her organization and has made visible changes in the facility. Ms. Homan has been instrumental in creating programming, outreach, awareness, and training for the inclusion of LGBTQ care within her VA facility.

Presentation Description:This presentation was originally aimed at Social Workers, but has been changed to also provide information to other health care professionals and community members. It does give basic information about gender identity, expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation. However, the focus of the presentation is on the LGBT Veteran experience. This includes but is not limited to: Experiences during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, higher rates of Military Sexual Trauma, suicide, being “outed” through discharge paperwork, particular healthcare needs, complex trauma, shame, and what services the VA offers.

Objectives:1. To know the difference between gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation.
2. To become more familiar with LGBT health disparities with an emphasis on veterans.
3. To gain a better understanding of the LGBT veteran experience, including policies that may have impacted their service.
4. To increase tools for assessment regarding LGBT individuals, veterans, and LGBT veterans.